Paramedics in the County of Essex want answers to what the council intends to do about its decision to consolidate the delivery of paramedic services in the area.

Paramedics represented by the Service Employees International Union, Local 1.on, who organized the information picket, want to know whether councillors want to bring the management of EMS services in-house for the entire county or will award a single contract through a Request for Proposals.

Sun Parlour Ambulance Services paramedic Ian Nash says his collective agreement expired in March and as an SEIU chief steward it is his job to get negotiations back on track.

“Contract negotiations have been stalled continually pending this decision by the County. That is why we see no alternative but to inform the public of this situation, and demand that the County make a swift decision on its plans for this critical public service,” Nash says.

Local paramedics and supporters will be at the County of Essex Council for the information picket from 4:30 p.m. on Thurs, Sept 7, 2006.

Representatives will then attend the open council meeting at 5:00 p.m. on the same day.

SEIU Canada represents 42,000 health care workers throughout Ontario.

WHO:       Ian Nash, Paramedic, Chief Steward, SEIU Local 1.on. – 1 519 816 1671 (Sun Parlour Ambulance Services)

WHAT:     Public Information Picket

WHEN:     Thursday, September 7, 2006, 4:30 p.m.

WHERE:   County of Essex County Council, 360 Fairview Ave West.